David Morrow: Legendary footy commentator is mourned after losing brave battle with brain cancer

The footy world is mourning esteemed commentator David Morrow after he died aged 71 following a battle with brain cancer.

His ex-colleague, radio announcer Ray Hadley, delivered the sad news on his 2GB show on Wednesday.

'I've worked with a lot of people over a long time in broadcasting. There's no more versatile sports commentator than David Morrow,' Hadley said after revealing Morrow died around midnight on Tuesday, surrounded by his family.

'He will be missed by everyone.' 

Morrow was honoured with admission to the NRL Hall of Fame just last week.

He received the good news from Hadley in a phone call while he was in hospital, with wife Christine and commentator Mark Levy by his side. 

He had stepped away from the microphone earlier this year after learning of the shattering cancer diagnosis. 

Nicknamed 'Thirsty' due to his love of a beer, Morrow - who also worked at the ABC for many years- has called rugby league, racing and cricket with distinction.

'It's with some sadness and regret that I announce my mate and colleague David Morrow has passed away,' Hadley told listeners.

'I wish I wasn't telling people that my mate of more than 40 years standing has succumbed at the age of 71.

'David started working [in radio] in Kempsey, my home town, and was a football commentator, general broadcaster and a race caller, and that's where we first encountered each other.'

Hadley spent years covering sporting events alongside Morrow while he was at the ABC, and they became colleagues again about nine years ago when he left the national broadcaster to join 2GB.

'Apart from being a magnificent commentator he was a really, really good man,' Hadley added.

'He fought courageously [against cancer] but unfortunately that battle has come to an end and to a certain extent, I think, with some relief because he was in great discomfort in the latter stages of his life.' 

In 2005, Morrow was awarded an OAM in 2005 for services to the community, sport and sports broadcasting.

'I'm so pleased that the group was unanimous around the induction of David Morrow,' ARL chairman Peter V'landys said of the broadcaster's admission to the Hall of Fame.

'David is a legendary contributor to the game over many decades and has provided colourful and insightful coverage of the game in his own unique style.'

In February, close friend Hadley confirmed Morrow's struggles with cancer.

'David and the family decided they wanted me to break the news to not just our media colleagues, but the millions of listeners David has connected with in a career that's lasted more than 45 years,' Hadley said.

'Thirsty, as he's widely known, is a man of some substance.

'It goes without saying he is Australia's most versatile sports broadcaster.

'David recently advised his mates on the Continuous Call Team and management of Nine Radio that he would be retiring from duties immediately.

'We were all shocked to find out after a couple of serious incidents during the off-season that David had been diagnosed with brain cancer.'